So you've booked a cruise, now what?
After you've gone through the tedious booking process for a cruise. Chances are that you've done all the research about the ship, the ports of call and "what to expect." However much information your cruise website provides, there will undoubtedly be information you missed or didn't get at all.
Here are some items that aren't accounted for that you should pack--
Roughly 70% of cruises are considered "tropical"cruises, this doesn't include river cruises and the most popular destination in this "tropical" area: Eastern Caribbean. Many of these islands see a wide variety of climate during peak seasons of cruising; for example the most popular months to cruise are between September-October (aka Hurricane Season) and the cheapest time to cruise is between November-February. Depending on the year, this could lead to a dry season and great weather or rainy season and storms throughout the duration.
In the case of the latter, you ought to be prepared. Most tropical destinations will see scattered showers at some point during the day and while some cruise lines offer their guests umbrellas, a majority do not.
Pack these items to ensure you have a great trip:
compact umbrella
poncho/rain jacket
fan
personal beverage option(s)
snacks
vitamins/supplements
Magnetics clips/hooks
beach towel
beach bag/backpack
Sneakers
Wetwipes
reusable water bottle
Aloe
Multi plug outlet extender
Some of the listed items might be "no-brainers," while others you may question their necessity. So let's break these down with really simple answers.
Umbrella/ ponchos for rainy days that you maybe didn't see in the forecast, even thought you checked it 12 times before you left home. Pack a portable fan that plugs in because your stateroom has a auto trigger that shuts off the a/c when the balcony door is open. Most cruise lines will let you bring your own 12 pack of sodas/drinks (non-alcoholic), but this doesn't include sachets of flavored tea! Sneaky! Also, you may not have access to many flavored tea on board. Bonus, kool-aid packs, Mio squeeze bottles, etc.
Packing snacks may sound ridiculous, but you may not be an early riser for those breakfast buffets. Having your favorite breakfast bar, granola or even fruit snacks for the littles will save you in a pinch! Additionally, bring along your beloved multi-vitamins and supplements. You will not have options onboard!
This one is a bit off the wall but magnetic clips/hooks can provide you with a bit more organization. Imagine having the daily schedule on the wall instead of "lost" somewhere around the room or even an extra place to hang a coat or towel. Did I mention the walls of your stateroom are metal? Oh, hey! They are!
Beach towels and beach bags are a must! Only suite rooms have towels that can be "taken off" the ship. Should you accidentally leave a room towel that belongs to your cruise line ashore, you could be charged for it. Beach bags are the best way to tote around all your goodies and an easy way to bring back souvenirs without having to carry a bunch of plastic or paper bags back on board.
Just because you're going on a tropical vacation doesn't mean leave your sneakers at home. You'll be doing more walking than you may average daily, pack those sneakers. Plus you'll thank me on those unexpected rainy days!
Please pack with you, wet wipes! Having one on you at all times is helpful but in the case of the horrid poo-cruise, at least you'll have something to wipe yourself down with plus it's a great way to feel fresh!
Don't end up spending on water, just bring your own water bottle to refill during your trip. There are water refill stations everywhere on board and you'll use less plastic and will never wonder if that's your water bottle or Aunt Janice's. Bonus, you get to tout your new Stanley cup!
Aloe! Seems like a stupid item to remind you of but I can't stress this one enough. You don't realize how strong the sun is the closer to the equator you get. And finally, the multi-plug extender... Staterooms have a minimal amount of plugs/outlets. Ensure that all your items can charge but getting yourself one of these bad boys here.